What are the reasons to seek an evaluation?
- Educational program planning - to make recommendations about eligibility for special education and/or learning and testing accommodations
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) design - to create targeted special education programming that matches the learner
- Therapeutic planning - to learn which other therapies may be needed such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, applied behavior analysis, tutoring, etc.
- To gain access to learning supports in the college setting
- To document eligibility for services through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
- To document the need for guardianship for young adults with disabilities that affect their ability to make decisions (i.e. Intellectual Disability, Autism)
What are the fees for an evaluation and can I use insurance?
The cost for neuropsychological evaluations are available by calling the office.
Clients have the responsibility for payment which is accepted directly from you at the time of the appointment, not from the insurance company. Working outside of the health insurance system allows Dr. Cohen to give your child a detailed, customized, and private evaluation not possible through insurance coverage. Dr. Cohen will provide a document called a "superbill" which can help you to seek out of network reimbursement through your insurance company.
The cost for neuropsychological evaluations are available by calling the office.
Clients have the responsibility for payment which is accepted directly from you at the time of the appointment, not from the insurance company. Working outside of the health insurance system allows Dr. Cohen to give your child a detailed, customized, and private evaluation not possible through insurance coverage. Dr. Cohen will provide a document called a "superbill" which can help you to seek out of network reimbursement through your insurance company.
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How is a Neuropsychological Evaluation different from a School Psychological Assessment?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a broader and more in depth assessment of skills with the goal of discovering the underlying reasons for the person's difficulties. The diagnosis and recommendations provided by a neuropsychological evaluation are meant to inform programs and strategies at school, home, and in the community. A school psychological assessment is primarily completed in order to determine eligibility for special education services. Neuropsychologists have deeper and more specialized knowledge in learning, neurological, and behavioral struggles. |
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What if my child was recently tested somewhere else, like at school?
If your child was tested recently but you still have questions, a neuropsychological consult may be helpful. Dr. Cohen will review the previous testing, as well as medical and school documents then meet with the parents. At the meeting, Dr. Cohen will discuss whether the previous testing includes the information needed to answer questions or if additional testing is needed.
If your child was tested recently but you still have questions, a neuropsychological consult may be helpful. Dr. Cohen will review the previous testing, as well as medical and school documents then meet with the parents. At the meeting, Dr. Cohen will discuss whether the previous testing includes the information needed to answer questions or if additional testing is needed.
What should I bring to the initial consultation appointment?
Please see the Forms page on this website to download the intake paperwork. A checklist of forms is found in the welcome letter there.
Please see the Forms page on this website to download the intake paperwork. A checklist of forms is found in the welcome letter there.
- Pertinent medical and mental health records (i.e. records that document differences, diseases, or injuries that affect development). Please make copies and do not bring original documents.
- Previous psychological testing both private and school-based. Please make copies and do not bring original documents.
- Report cards (please ask the school for copies of the current and previous year's reports, at a minimum)
What do I expect on the day of testing?
Neuropsychological testing takes between four and five hours usually on one day with a lunch break. In some instances, testing may last slightly shorter or longer. For example, a very young child may need less time to finish while a person who works very slowly may need a bit more time. Spending the entire day with your child helps me get to know them better. Parents may leave their child during testing or wait in reception according to their preference. Children and young adults should bring water and snacks on the day of testing.
The testing itself is similar to activities students complete at school and consists of answering questions, solving puzzles and riddles, working with hands-on materials, and marking answer sheets. Younger children are rewarded with stickers and prizes and every effort is made by Dr. Cohen to help participants of all ages feel comfortable, encouraged, and engaged in the process.
Neuropsychological testing takes between four and five hours usually on one day with a lunch break. In some instances, testing may last slightly shorter or longer. For example, a very young child may need less time to finish while a person who works very slowly may need a bit more time. Spending the entire day with your child helps me get to know them better. Parents may leave their child during testing or wait in reception according to their preference. Children and young adults should bring water and snacks on the day of testing.
The testing itself is similar to activities students complete at school and consists of answering questions, solving puzzles and riddles, working with hands-on materials, and marking answer sheets. Younger children are rewarded with stickers and prizes and every effort is made by Dr. Cohen to help participants of all ages feel comfortable, encouraged, and engaged in the process.
